Zoning system for air conditioning (hvac) equipment

ABSTRACT

A variable air flow air conditioning (HVAC) systems and methods are disclosed. In example embodiments, one or more variable speed fans or air-moving devices are in communication with ducts connecting one or more zones of a structure or other space to be air conditioned. Zone temperature sensors and air flow measurement are provided to obtain particular measurements relative to the zone it is serving while communicating with a central control. Optionally, a distributed control system can be provided such that zone sensors communicate with both the central control and its respective zone controller. The control system collects and processes multiple datasets to dynamically and proportionally adjust the volumetric air flows of each of the zones to satisfy any loads or heating/cooling demands while also maintaining a net volumetric air flow across a coil of the indoor heat transfer unit within a preset range. In some example embodiments, enhanced variable air flow air conditioning (HVAC) systems and methods are disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part patent application, whichclaims the priority benefit of U.S. Non-provisional patent applicationSer. No. 15/622,118, filed Jun. 14, 2017, and now abandoned, as well asU.S. Non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 16/843,253, filed Apr.8, 2020, the entirety of which are incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to a heating and airconditioning system, and more specifically to a multi-zone forced airheating and air conditioning system.

BACKGROUND

Controlling the volume of heated or cooled air distributed to differentareas of a multiple zone system has been primarily accomplished with aVAV (variable air volume) damper system. VAV systems include athermostat which is typically located in an occupied space and controlsa damper, which limits the primary air flow from a central air handler.VAV systems are often deficient in that control of the air volume ismanaged by the damper, which creates a high pressure upstream of thedamper and a lower pressure downstream of the damper. This lowerdownstream pressure is negatively affected by friction losses inductwork, grills and diffusers which limit the VAV system's ability toefficiently distribute air to remote areas of the multiple zone system.Some systems seek to eliminate the duct losses downstream of the damperby locating the damper in the air outlet grille, but this complicatesthe control of the system and also creates the potential for increasednoise as the velocity of the air increases locally as the damper closes.

Another deficient aspect of the VAV system is that the higher pressureon the upstream side can be considerable for the system to perform asdesigned, and thus creates energy loss. Due to the need for larger fanmotor(s) in the central air handler, the VAV damper creates arestriction and the duct energy losses are increased with higherpressures and air velocities. Another disadvantage is the additionalintegrity provision needed on the high-pressure ductwork to reduceleaks. Modern VAV systems reduce these energy losses for part-loadoperation with variable speed operation of the central fan motor, butthis further reduces the effectiveness of the downstream airdistribution system. This strategy is further limited by the range ofair flow required by conditioning system.

And as anyone trained and versed in the art of air conditioning isaware, the evaporator portion of a conventional AC system must operatewithin a limited range of air flows for the for the basic operation ofthe refrigeration cycle of the working fluid (Freon, ammonia, etc.)through the heat transfer element (coil) conditioning the air streamdelivered to the occupied space being served by that system. If the airflow rate through the coil is too little, the coil will get too cold andfreeze the condensate and plug the coil resulting in system shutdown andfailure. If the air flow rate is too high, the temperature of the airleaving the coil will rise above saturated conditions and moisture willremain in the air stream increasing humidity in the space.

In fact, some have attempted fan powered multi zone systems, however,they all have a deficiency in that they can they do not have a means ofcontrolling air flow across the heat transfer coil within acceptableranges required for commercially available HVAC equipment. The volume ofair moving over the heat transfer coil in the indoor heat transfer unit(ITHU) is critical to the operation and effectiveness of conventionalDirect Expansion (DX) air conditioning systems. Too small of a flowvolume and the coil will freeze and the system will cease to function.Conversely, with too high of an air flow volume (for any type of ACsystem) through the heat transfer coil, the air temperature will not bereduced below the saturation temperature and the system will fail toremove humidity from the supply air stream. Multi-zone fan poweredsystems (Cohen: PCT/IL2007/000833) do not address the issue of combinedair flow through the IHTU. In one instance (Jacob: PCT/AU90/00068) thisissue was addressed by modulating the capacity of the compressor (or theoutdoor component of the IHTU), both of which are either inoperable ornot commonly available and require extensive controls which are notcommonly understood and implemented. Further, the controls and equipmentthereof to allow for modulating the capacity of the compressor are noteconomically viable for most common installations.

Accordingly, it can be seen that needs exist to improve HVAC controlsystems to improve efficiency and effectiveness for multi-zone systems.It is to the provision of a zoning system for air conditioning (HVAC)equipment (and systems and methods thereof) meeting these and otherneeds that the present invention is primarily directed.

SUMMARY

In example embodiments, the present disclosure solves the problem ofsimultaneously optimizing a unitary Air Conditioning (AC) system whilealso satisfying the requirements of individual zones. Individual zonessystems do not have the means for reconciling their demands with the netconditions needed to optimize the heat transfer system. The systems andmethods as described herein are intended to monitor and operate the airmoving portion of a conventional AC system, but could be applied to anycombination of cooling and/or heating systems such as refrigeration(including variable compressor systems), hydronic, resistance heat,vapor compression, gas furnace, thermoelectric/peltier, etc.

In one aspect, the present disclosure describes a method for achievingair conditioning zones without restrictive dampers. The methoddynamically adjusts the air balance of an air conditioning system tomatch the supply of conditioned air (i.e., air that has been conditionedto be hot or cold) to the thermal demands of the zones it serves. Themethod optimizes the effectiveness of an air conditioning system bydirecting the thermal capacity of the system to the zones requiringservice without overcompensating in non-demanding zones.

In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a system fordistributing conditioned air to a plurality of zones. The systemincludes an indoor heat transfer unit for thermally conditioning air anda plurality of fans which are operably connected to the indoor heattransfer unit to draw a volume of thermally conditioned air from theindoor heat transfer unit and direct the volume of the thermallyconditioned air to a plurality of zones. The plurality of fanscontinuously monitor and control the volume of thermally conditioned airdirected to each of the plurality of zones. Each of the plurality offans are independently operable.

In still another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method toautomatically adjust the air balance of a heating ventilation and airconditioning system (HVAC). The method includes directing a measuredvolumetric rate of air through at least two adaptive distribution andcontrol elements positioned remotely in at least two respective aircircuit paths.

In yet another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a system fordistributing conditioned air to at least one remote zone. The systemincludes an indoor heat transfer unit for thermally conditioning air andat least one fan that is operably connected to the indoor heat transferunit to draw a volume of thermally conditioned air from the indoor heattransfer unit and direct the volume of the thermally conditioned air toat least one remote zone. The at least one fan continuously monitors andcontrols the volume of thermally conditioned air directed to the atleast one remote zone. The at least one fan is positioned remotely fromthe indoor heat transfer unit. The operable connection between theindoor heat transfer unit and at least one of the plurality of fans isdamperless.

In still another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method fordistributing conditioned air to a plurality of zones. The methodincludes thermally conditioning a volume of air with indoor heattransfer unit. The method also includes drawing the volume of thermallyconditioned air from the indoor heat transfer unit with a plurality offans operably connected to the indoor heat transfer unit. The methodalso includes directing the volume of the thermally conditioned air to aplurality of zones with the plurality of fans. The plurality of fanscontinuously monitors and controls the volume of thermally conditionedair directed to each of the plurality of zones. Each of the plurality offans is independently operable.

According to example embodiments, a central controller activates ordeactivates, dynamically increasing or decreasing the volumetric flowrate of the plurality of fans so as to optimize the degree of control toeach of the plurality of zones as demanded by thermal loads of theplurality of zones to better decouple the thermal loads from a supplycapacity of conditioned air provided by the indoor heat transfer unit.In example embodiments, the central controller adjusts the speed of eachindividual fan of the plurality of fans to provide a volume of air flowto match the thermal load of the zone it serves while maintaining thenet air flow through the heat transfer element of the air conditioningsystem at a fixed volumetric rate predetermined by the system's thermalcapacity and user performance goals.

In example embodiments, the central controller includes a PIDcontroller, and wherein the PID controller is configured to account forand perform one or more calculations relating to a temperaturedifference for each of the plurality of zones between each respectiveset-point temperature and measured temperature, individual measured airflow rates within each duct, and the preset air flow rate, the PIDcontroller summing the measured air flow rates and comparing it to thepreset air flow rate to calculate a proportional multiplier, theproportional multiplier being multiplied by the prior-measured air flowrates to determine values for adding to the prior-measured air flowrates to obtain a set of first adjustment values. In exampleembodiments, the PID controller is configured to again measure theindividual air flow rates passing through each duct such that the sumthereof is compared to the preset air flow rate to obtain a multiplierfor proportionally adjusting the individual air flow rates to obtain aset of second adjustment values. In example embodiments, the centralcontroller is configured to conduct a substitution process of the set ofsecond adjustment values, wherein the values remain the same if theyfall within a preset air flow range and wherein the values aresubstituted with a maximum or minimum preset air flow rate if the valuethereof exceeds the maximum or minimum preset air flow rate.

In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to a method ofcooling or heating a structure having at least two zones, the structureincluding an outdoor compressor, an indoor heat transfer unit and heatpump, the structure having ducts connected between the indoor heattransfer unit and the zones, each of the ducts having an individual fanin communication therewith to draw air from the indoor heat transferunit and across a coil to the desired zone at the desired rate, so longas the sum of the volumetric air flows through the ducts remains at apreset volumetric air flow rate. The method includes drawing air acrossthe heat transfer coil of the indoor heat transfer unit at the presetvolumetric air flow rate; measuring individual air flows rates of the atleast two zones within at least a portion of the ducts such that airflow signals generated by the measuring thereof are sent to a controlsystem for processing; summing the individual zone air flow signals inthe control system to generate an instantaneous measured net volumetricair flow rate for the entire air volume moving across the coil of theindoor heat transfer unit; comparing the measured net volumetric airflow rate to the preset volumetric air flow rate; and proportionallyadjusting the individual air flow rates to maintain the instantaneousmeasured net volumetric air flow rate at the preset volumetric air flowrate as if there was a single fan operating the system.

In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to a variable airflow air conditioning system for conditioning the air of multiple zonesof a structure including an air conditioning unit having a heat transferelement; a plurality of ducts extending from the air conditioning unitto each of the multiple zones; a plurality of variable speed fans,wherein at least one fan is positioned to communicate within itsrespective duct between the air conditioning unit and the multiplezones; a plurality of zone sensors, wherein at least one zone sensor ispositioned within each respective zone of the multiple zones so as toprovide temperature measurements of the zones thereof; a plurality ofair flow sensors, wherein at least one air flow sensor is positionedwithin each respective duct so as to obtain the volumetric flow rate ofthe conditioned air flowing from the air conditioning unit; and acontroller configured to communicate with the air conditioning unit, thevariable speed fans and the air flow sensors, wherein the centralcontroller activates or deactivates so as to dynamically increase ordecrease the volumetric flow rate of the plurality of fans so as tooptimize the degree of control to each of the multiple zones as demandedby thermal loads of the plurality of zones, and wherein the centralcontroller adjusts the speed of each individual fan of the plurality offans to provide a volume of air flow to match the thermal load of thezone it serves while maintaining a net volumetric air flow rate throughthe heat transfer element of the air conditioning unit at a presetvolumetric air flow rate predetermined by the system's thermal capacityand user performance goals.

In example embodiments, the air conditioning unit is a split systemincluding outdoor compressor, an indoor heat transfer unit, and a heatpump. In other example embodiments, the air conditioning unit is apackaged system including a compressor, a heat transfer unit and a heatpump.

These and other aspects, features and advantages of the invention willbe understood with reference to the drawing figures and detaileddescription herein, and will be realized by means of the variouselements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appendedclaims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing generaldescription and the following brief description of the drawings anddetailed description of example embodiments are explanatory of exampleembodiments of the invention, and are not restrictive of the invention,as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a conventional heating and airconditioning system, as is known in the art.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a conventional single-zone variable airvolume system, as is known in the art.

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of a variable air flow heating andair conditioning system, according to an example embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the variable air flow heating and airconditioning system shown in FIG. 3 , as used in a structure.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a schematic diagram of a variable air flowheating and air conditioning system according to another exampleembodiment of the present invention, showing the system used in astructure such as a residential home.

FIG. 6 is a detailed isometric view of the variable air flow heating andair conditioning system of FIG. 5 .

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the variable air flow heating and airconditioning system of FIG. 5 .

FIG. 8 is a detailed schematic diagram showing only a single zone of thesystem of FIG. 5 .

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the order of operations of the system ofFIG. 5 according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a table listing multiple parameters, inputs, outputs andnumerical values to be used with the system of FIG. 5 according to anexample embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 shows charts including example parameters to be used in firstthru third example calculations according to the system of FIG. 5 .

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a variable air flow heating and airconditioning system according to another example embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 13 is a detailed schematic diagram showing only a single zone ofthe system of FIG. 12 .

FIG. 14 is a plan view of a partial schematic diagram of an enhancedvariable air flow heating and air conditioning system used in astructure such as a living room of a residential home according toanother example embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 15-18 show examples and scenarios of the enhanced variable airflow heating and air conditioning system of FIG. 14 , showing howvarious heat loads and their location will cause reconfiguration of theconditioned air being delivered to the living room.

Detailed Description of Example Embodiments

The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to thefollowing detailed description of example embodiments taken inconnection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part ofthis disclosure. It is to be understood that this invention is notlimited to the specific devices, methods, conditions or parametersdescribed and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein isfor the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of exampleonly and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Anyand all patents and other publications identified in this specificationare incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein.

Also, as used in the specification including the appended claims, thesingular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference toa particular numerical value includes at least that particular value,unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressedherein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to“about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a rangeis expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular valueand/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values areexpressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it willbe understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.

Common HVAC systems, for example as illustrated in FIG. 1 , circulateconditioned air to a single zone inside a structure. The example system10 also includes an indoor unit 20 and an outdoor unit 14. A thermostatcontrol 16 is commonly located in the conditioned space in the air pathnear the return grille. The outdoor unit 14 can include a condensingunit and/or a heat pump unit. The heat transfer fluid (typically Freon,water, glycol, etc.) is transferred by piping line 18 from outdoor unit14 to indoor unit 20.

Outside air supplied to the indoor unit 20 is commonly limited with amanual damper, but can also include an outside air control 26, such as amotor operated damper (not shown). In some examples, an outside airintake 12 can optionally be provided, particularly for newer codecompliant installations. The indoor unit 20 can also include a filter(not shown), a heating-and-cooling coil 24 and a fan 22. Conventionalindoor units 20 include the fan 22 positioned very close to theheating-and-cooling coil, commonly within the same housing or a directlyconnected housing forming an indoor unit, also called an evaporator orair handler. The indoor unit 20 is operably connected to an air path 28,such as a plenum and/or ductwork. The fan 22 directs hot or coolconditioned air from the indoor unit 20 into the air path 28. The airpath 28, through the duct work and/or plenum, continues between theindoor unit 20 and a remote zone 30. The remote zone 30 includes athermostat 32, which operably manipulates the desired temperature in thezone. In use, the heating-and-cooling coil in the indoor unit 20 adjuststhe temperature of the air delivered to the supply air path 28 as theoutdoor unit 14 cycles on and off under the control of the thermostat.The system 10 then includes a common return air path 34 to direct airfrom the remote zone 30 back to the indoor unit 20. The return air path34 can include structures for directing air, such as grilles, ductworkand filters.

Systems such as the example illustrated in FIG. 1 can be reconfigured asa multi-zone system 100 in a structure such as a house 150, asillustrated in FIG. 2 . The illustrated multi-zone system 100 includesan outdoor unit 104, and outside air control 126, an indoor unit 120with a heating-and-cooling coil 124, a fan 122 and can optionallyinclude an outside air intake 102. The heated or cooled air directedfrom the fan 122 is managed by a series of motor operated controldampers. The example dampers can be mounted in terminal units, alsocalled VAV boxes 140 a-c, which limit the air flow to individual airpaths 128 a-c. Each air path 128 a-c extends between a respective VAVbox 140 a-c and a respective zone 130 a-c. Each VAV box 140 a-c controlsthe amount of heated or cooled air entering an air path 128 a-c from thefan 122.

A thermostat can be located in the space for each zone which providescontrol for each VAV box 140 a-c. An example thermostat located in thespace for each zone can limit the amount of air directed through the airpaths, thus providing a distinct temperature control for the threeseparate zones 130 a-c.

For this example, a common return is shown to provide an intake toductwork, which returns the air path 142 from the zones 130 a-c to theindoor unit 120. Alternatively, individually ducted return air pathschemes (not shown) can function similarly.

A VAF (variable air flow) system eliminates fans from the central airhandler and also eliminates dampers, which creates conditioning zones.Each zone in the VAF system has a thermostat and is served by its ownvariable speed fan which pushes the air to its designated area through astandard system of ducts and diffusers. This distributed network of fansis controlled by a central controller which adjusts the speed of eachindividual fan to provide the volume of air flow to match the load ofthe zone it serves and it also maintains the net air flow through theheat transfer element of the air conditioning system which often has aspecific range of operation. This VAF system moves the higher-pressureair flow downstream of the control mechanism to allow the system toovercome limitations imposed by the layout/geometry/configuration ofconditioned space and provide for a more responsive system with less fanenergy.

The VAF system includes a network of fans and an arrangement of ductworkto allow air to be pulled from an indoor heat transfer unit (IHTU) anddistribute by a specific fan to the zone it serves. Essentially, theIHTU functions as an indoor unit without a fan. The fans are driven withvariable speed motors to adjust the volume of air being provided to thezones. The fans have features and instrumentation to measure the volumeof air being provided to the zones. Each zone has a thermostat whichmeasures the temperature of the space and allows the occupant to enterthe target (or set-point) temperature for the space. In addition tothermal inputs, the control system can account for schedule, occupancy,priority, relative humidity, and ventilation requirements (withinstrumentation sensing items such as: Humidity, Occupancy, CO2, IndoorAir Quality, VOC, CO, etc.). The control system also maintains the totalvolume of air through the IHTU within the acceptable range of operationof the equipment. This air volume is further adjusted for systempriorities such as humidity control, thermal accuracy, and energyefficiency.

An example VAF system 200 is illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 . The VAFsystem 200 includes an outdoor unit 204 and an indoor heat transfer unit205 (IHTU). The VAF system 200 can include a ventilation fan 203 drawingair from an outside air intake 202 and directing the outside air towardthe IHTU 205. The ventilation fan 203 can have variable speed control,can measure air volume and can include CO2 instrumentation and can forma part of an energy recovery scheme.

The VAF system 200 can connect the outdoor unit 204 to the IHTU 205through at least one heat transfer fluid (typically Freon, water,glycol, etc.) transferred by piping line 211. The outdoor unit 204 caninclude a condensing unit and/or a heat pump, as well as a thermostatcontrol.

The IHTU 205 can include a heating-and-cooling coil and a filter (notshown). The IHTU 205 does not include a fan. The VAF system 200 isdivided into separate remote zones 230 a-c, for example three zones asillustrated in the example shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 .

Each zone 230 a-c has a separately-operable thermostat 232 a-c. In use,within the single VAF system 200 and the single IHTU 205, each separatezone 230 a-c can use a separate thermostat 232 a-c to maintain adifferent temperature in each zone. Separate air pathways 208 a-c, suchas ductwork and/or diffusors, connect each zone 230 a-c to the IHTU 205.Each supply air pathway 208 a-c includes a separate fan 210 a-cpositioned remote from the IHTU 205 along the air pathway. Each fan 210a-c is activated to draw and direct conditioned air from the IHTU 205along an air pathway 208 a-c to the respective zone 230 a-c. The VAFsystem 200 does not include or use balancing dampers to manage air flowfrom the IHTU 205.

In use, at least one of the thermostats 232 a-c creates demand to adjustthe temperature in its respective zone 230 a-c. This demand forconditioned air causes one or more of the fans 210 a-c to activate todraw conditioned air from the IHTU 205 and direct the conditioned air tothe respective zone(s) 230 a-c. Conditioned air from the IHTU 205 entersa common plenum (duct) 213 from which it then is drawn to a particularair pathway 208 a-c by fans 210 a-c as activated by the control system.Each thermostat 232 a-c causes one of the fans 210 a-c to move ameasured volume of conditioned air from the IHTU 205 along one airpathway 208 a-c to a respective zone 230 a-c. As a result, one zone 230a-c can adjust the temperature set-point independent from adjustmentsbeing made for the remaining zones while the remaining zones maintaintheir temperature in a dynamic and adaptive manner as loads and IHTUcapacity varies.

The VAF system 200 can also include at least one return air vent 242positioned in at least one of the zones 230 a-c to return air from thezones along a return air pathway to the IHTU 205 to be re-conditioned.

As particularly shown in FIG. 3 , the VAF system 200 includes a centralcontrol 207, which communicates sensor inputs, including the temperatureadjustment request and temperature reading between the thermostat 232a-c in the zones 230 a-c and the fans 210 a-c. This informationcommunicated through the central control 207 activates or deactivatesdynamically increasing or decreasing the volumetric flow rate of thefans. The central control 207 communicates to the fans 210 a-c and thethermostats 232 a-c through electronic connection, wired or wireless,and can provide power to the fans. The central control 207 also performsthe functions of a thermostat in the operational control of the outdoorunit 204 and IHTU 205, which is either in a heating mode or coolingmode. Transitioning from a heating or cooling mode can be determined incontrols via a zone voting scheme, as used in some commonly offered VAVsystems. The VAF system is not intended to function to provide forsimultaneous heating and cooling in different zones. The VAF systemfunctions to optimize the degree of control to each zone as demanded bythe thermal loads of individual zones to better decouple the thermalload from the supply capacity of conditioned air provided by the outdoorunit 204 and IHTU 205. The central control 207 can also communicate withan outside air system in any of the schemes previously described and canincorporate input from sensors for humidity, CO₂, air quality providingpower and control through electronic connection, wired or wireless. Thecentral control 207 can also communicate with the outdoor unit 204 toactivate or deactivate, and provide power through electronic connection,wired or wireless. The central control 207 can be in electroniccommunication with an operator interface 206, which allows a user toenter information such as set-points, schedules and priorities for theuse of the VAF system 200.

The above disclosed system is illustrated, in FIG. 4 in particular, tobe used in a house-like structure 250, but can be applicable to mobileas well as stationary installation., i.e. not justresidential/commercial but also automotive (cars, buses, etc.),boats/ships, aircraft, etc. The described system can also providediagnostic and analytic control, incorporating automated commissioningand advanced features which are not normally included in smallersystems.

FIGS. 5-11 show a VAF system 300 according to another example embodimentof the present invention. As depicted, the VAF system 300 is intended tobe used in a house-like structure 350 according to at least one exampleembodiment of the present invention. According to other exampleembodiments, the VAF system 300 can be provided for HVAC systemsinstalled in residential homes, multi-family housing, hotels, commercialstructures, motor homes, any domicile space, recreational vehicles,vessels, aircraft or other structures comprising multiple zones orspaces to be provided with air conditioning.

According to one example embodiment, the system 300 is generally a splitsystem, for example, comprising a heat pump consisting of an indoorcased coil and an outdoor condensing unit 304 that are connected by adirect expansion (DX) refrigerant loop. All indoor air movement withinthe structure 350 is provided by the systems and components as describedherein. Optionally, according to other example embodiments, the system300 as described herein can preferably be applied and retrofitted withvarious other heating and/or cooling systems.

According to one example embodiment, an outdoor air intake component 302(typically a wall cap, roof cap or intake louver) can be provided.According to one example embodiment, an outdoor air control unit can beprovided and in communication with the outdoor air intake component 302.According to example embodiments, the outdoor air control unit 303 maybe a simple motor-operated damper, a supply fan, or an energy recoveryventilator (ERV). According to one example embodiment as describedabove, an outdoor unit 304 can be provided, for example, so as toprovide functionality to the heat pump or air conditioning. According toone example embodiment, the outdoor unit 304 can comprise a compressor,a reversing valve, a heat rejection fan and a coil for either heat pumpor air conditioning. In example embodiments, the outdoor unit 304 isnormally operated by a single thermostat in the indoor controlled space.However, according to example embodiments of the present invention, anyand all functions, signals, etc. that a thermostat may provide to thecompressor and/or the ITHU 305 are controlled by a central controller307 (as will be described below).

According to the depicted example embodiment, the ITHU 305 is simply acased coil. For example, typical prior art ITHU systems including an airhandler with a fan, however, all air movement of the system 300 areoperated by zone fans 310 (as will be described below), and thus, muchmore variability of the air flows can be provided to a desired zone ofthe structure 350. For example, according to one example embodiment, thestructure 350 comprises multiple rooms (a-f) designating a zone for eachof the rooms. For example, as depicted in the first chart of FIG. 11 ,each of the rooms (a-f) corresponds with a particular room of thestructure 350. Accordingly, each zone (a-f) comprises its own separatefan 310 and air duct 308, conduit or other hose or medium by which airmay be directed and carried a distance to a desired space/zone.

In example embodiments, a common supply plenum or other desired duct orconduit 313 for collecting the air leaving the ITHU 305, for example,which is further in communication with the air ducts 308 a-f of eachzone. As such, the plenum 313 provides an intermediatecollection/transfer area where conditioned air is freely drawn (via thecorresponding fan 310 a-f) to each of the air ducts 308 a-f that aredemanding conditioned air. In normal operation, the plenum 313 allowsfor the single flow of conditioned air to be split according to thenumber of zones the system intends to serve. According to one exampleembodiment, the plenum 313 comprises one input from the ITHU 305 and sixoutput channels or conduits (or air ducts 308 a-f) such that multiplesmaller flows of the conditioned air are drawn from the plenum 313,through each respective air duct 308 a-f, passing by respective fans 310a-f, and further being discharged from a vent or register 330 a-f thatis provided within each of the respective zones (a-f).

According to example embodiments and as will be described in greaterdetail below, a central control 307 is provided and configured tocontinuously process data (e.g., temperature, humidity, CO2, airquality, occupancy, or others as described above) obtained from one ormore zone sensors 332 a-f that are generally positioned along a wall (orother desired location) of the zone (a-f) it is intending to serve, forexample, and conduct one or more real-time calculations with the dataobtained from the one or more zone sensors 332 a-f so that real-timeadjustments can be made for each fan 310 a-f (e.g., the fan speed) so asto meet the load of the respective zone (a-f) while maintaining adesired net air flow through the heat transfer element of the airconditioning system (within the specific range of operation).

According to example embodiments, the central control 307 comprises aseparate operator interface (OI), for example, which can be a hard-wireddevice, a remote-connected device (e.g., smart device, tablet,electronic device, PC, computer, laptop, etc.) connected wirelessly(e.g., internet, WiFi, Bluetooth®, IR, radio, based in the Cloud orserver, other wireless technology, etc.).

In example embodiments, the fans 310 a-f are preferably capable ofmoving air, for example, by rotation of at least one propeller or fanblade. In example embodiments, the fans 310 a-f are powered by ahard-wired connection, for example, and are further connected (wired orwireless) and in communication with the central control 307. Preferably,the fans 310 a-f are capable of varying their rotation or speed (e.g.,and the air flow thereof) so as to provide a desired air flow ofconditioned air to each respective zone based on the respective loadthereof. In example embodiments, the variable speed fans 310 a-f areconfigured to draw a measured volume of conditioned air through theplenum 313 and direct it to the zones (a-f) based upon what the centralcontrol 307 directs them to do. According to example embodiments, eachfan 310 a-f comprises a flow measuring sensor incorporated therewith,and thus, is capable measuring the air flow entering and/or exiting thefan 310 a-f. According to other example embodiments, separate flowmeasuring sensors can be incorporated with the fan 310 a-f and/or theconduit or duct 308 a-f that houses the fan 310 a-f therein.

According to example embodiments, the system 300 can further comprise areturn 342, for example, which comprises at least a conduit or duct totransfer air from the conditioned space back to the IHTU. According tothe depicted example embodiment, a single conduit and intake isdepicted. Optionally, multiple returns or intakes can be provided, forexample, such that a return can be provided for each zone or room of theair conditioned space.

FIGS. 9-11 show the system of operations of the system 300 and severalworking examples according to example embodiments of the presentinvention. For example, as depicted in chart 370 of FIG. 11 , the system300 according to one example embodiment is configured for heating andcooling the house-like structure 350, for example, which comprises sixzones (a-f) including an entry room, dining room, office, bedroom,living room and kitchen. According to one example embodiment, the system300 comprises a design CFM (cubic feet per meter), for example, acalculated optimal scheme based upon the number of zones, space to beheated or cooled and specifications and optimal working ranges of theIHTU, which is set at 1,200 CFM. Furthermore, the system 300 can furtherinclude maximum and minimum CFM values corresponding to each of thezones (a-f), for example, which can influence the adjustments (if any)made to the speed of each respective fan 310 a-f so as to provideconditioned air to each respective zone while maintaining a desired netair flow through the heat transfer element of the air conditioningsystem (and within the specific range of operation). For example, asdepicted in FIG. 10 according to one example embodiment, the system 300has a nominal capacity of 3 tons, a design CFM of 1,200, a minimum CFMof 1,050, a maximum CFM of 1,350, and multiple other parameters andinputs including a humidity set-point parameter (Hsp), which is set to50%.

Referring to the flowchart 360 of FIG. 9 and chart 375 of FIG. 11 , afirst example is shown depicting the system 300 being used for airconditioning without dehumidification. As shown, the system 300initially begins at a net airflow value (e.g., design CFM) of 1,200 CFM.Then the measured temperature is compared to the target temperature foreach of the zones (a-f) to calculate temperature difference values(e.g., ΔT). Next, the temperature difference values are used toinfluence a proportional integral derivative (PID) controller todetermine the extent of the load being demanded by each of the zones(a-f). As depicted, the entry room (zone a) has a measured temperatureof 85 degrees F. and a set-point temperature of 75 degrees F. Thus, thecalculated ΔT is 10 degrees and the PID scale factor is 77% (e.g.,(ΔT×100%)/sum of each zone's (ΔT×100%)). Typically, simultaneously theair flow is measured, for example, which is measuring the same as thedesign CFM of 1,200 CFM.

Next, the values obtained from the PID controller are used to calculatea first set of flow adjustments (see first adj column of chart 375). Forexample, referring to zone a, with the measured flow of 100 CFM, thecalculation of the PID controller causes the flow of zone a to increasefrom 100 CFM to 177 CFM (e.g., increasing the flow by 77%). According tothe depicted example, the entry room comprises a scale factor of 100compared to the sum of each zone's scale factor (e.g., 130). Thus,performing the following calculation, (100/130)×100%=77%), the air flowof 100 CFM is increased by 77%, and thus, the first flow adjustment forzone a provides an increase of 77 CFM to 177 CFM. According to exampleembodiments, one or more control algorithms, feedback and/or logicloops, or other coding or software can be incorporated with the centralcontrol 307 (and/or PID controller thereof) so that the system 300 cancontinuously monitor the zone(s) it is serving and provide a dynamic anddirected response based upon the proportionality of the load(s) beingdemanded while also maintaining a net air flow through the heat transferelement of the air conditioning system.

In example embodiments, the central control 307 processes the data andcalculations are performed for each of the zones (a-f) so that the firstset of flow adjustments are complete. Next, the humidity of the air thatis being returned to the IHTU 305 is measured, and based upon its valuecompared to the humidity set-point value Hsp, the sum of the zone's airflows is adjusted to a preset air flow parameter value for a second setof flow adjustments (see second adj column of chart 375 of FIG. 11 . Asshown in FIG. 9 , if the measured humidity H is less than or equal to50%, the design set-point CFM is used as the sum of the second set offlow adjustments. However, if the measured humidity is greater than thehumidity set-point Hsp, then the minimum set-point CFM is used as thesum of the second set of flow adjustments. For example, referring to thesecond adj column of the chart 375 of FIG. 11 , the sum of the zone's(a-f) air flows is set to 1,200 CFM as the measured humidity H was lessthan the humidity set-point Hsp. Then, by taking the sum of the zone'sair flows of the second set of flow adjustments and dividing it by thesum of the zone's air flows of the first set of flow adjustments, aproportional scale factor can be applied to the air flow value of eachof the zones (a-f). For example, the second flow adjustment for theentry room (zone a) is 161 CFM (e.g., (1,200/1,315)×177).

Next, after calculating the second set of flow adjustments, furtherprocessing of the data is provided so as to substitute some of thevalues thereof when they are not within the range of acceptableminimum/maximum values (see FLmax & FLmin in FIG. 10 ). As shown inchart 375, all values remain within the range of minimum/maximum valuesexcept for the second flow adjustment for the entry room (e.g.,calculated as 161 CFM but maximum is set at 130 CFM). Accordingly, theentry room (zone a) is assigned a final air flow adjustment value of 130CFM, for example, since the second flow adjustment value exceeded themaximum. For example, if a value exceeds the maximum, the replaced flowadjustment value should correspond to the zone's maximum CFM. Similarly,if the value of the second adjustment is less than the minimum, thereplaced flow adjustment value should correspond to the zone's minimumCFM.

Finally, the sum of the second set of flow adjustments is divided by thesum of the second flow adjustment values that were within acceptableranges, which provides a final scale factor that can be applied to eachof the zone's airflow values that were within acceptable ranges. Forexample, the dining room (zone b) had an air flow value of 182 CFM afterthe second flow adjustment. Accordingly, as chart 370 indicates that thedining room's FLmin-b, FLmax-b range is between 60-260 CFM, the secondflow adjustment value of 182 CFM lies within the range, and thus, getsplaced in the column of chart 375 titled “pass-thru values in range”.Then, the sum of the second set of flow adjustments (e.g., 1,200 CFM) isdivided by the sum of the second flow adjustment values that were withinacceptable ranges (e.g., 1,169 CFM) to obtain a final scale factor of1.0265 (e.g., 1,200/1,169=1.026 or 103%). Thus, with the exception ofthe entry room flow value exceeding the maximum of 130 CFM, the finalflow adjustment values of the other rooms (zones b-f) are scaledaccording to the new scale factor of 103% to produce a final set of flowadjustments. According to example embodiments, if the value of thevolumetric air flow is outside of the minimum/maximum values (e.g.,FLmax & FLmin), either the maximum FLmax or minimum FLmin is used toreplace the out-of-range value, and the replacement value remains thesame for the final set of flow adjustments.

According to an example embodiment and referring back to the dining roomof the chart 375, the pass-thru value of 182 is multiplied by the finalscale factor of 103% to obtain a final calculated air flow value of 188CFM. The same is performed for each of the other “pass-thru” values andthe final volumetric air flow values can be charted, logged or otherwisepresented appropriately within the central control so as to provide oneor more speed reference voltages to the corresponding fans. According toexample embodiments, speed reference voltages can be generated by thecentral control and sent to each of the desired fans to initiaterotation of the blade(s) to a speed needed to generate the finalcalculated volumetric air flow value. Accordingly, as depicted in chart375 of FIG. 11 , zone sensors, flow measuring devices, temperature andhumidity sensors, etc. allow for the ability of the system 300 (andcentral control 307 thereof) to process the data and performcalculations to proportionally scale the individual volumetric air flowvalues to most effectively, efficiently and economically outputconditioned air to the plurality of zones. Furthermore, as disclosedabove, the plenum 313 is configured to act as a splitter or temporaryhousing or pass-by for the ducts 308 a-f, and thus with the fans 310 a-einterconnected and in communication with the ducts 308 a-f (anddownstream from the IHTU and coils thereof), the rotation of one or morefan blades in at least one direction causes air to flow therein, andthus, creates a pull or draw effect on the air within the duct 308 a-f.As similarly described above, preferably the summation of the volumetricair flow values for each of the zones is within the set maximumCFM/minimum CFM values based on the particulars of the tonnage andmanufactures suggestions, and thus, the net volumetric air flow passingthrough the coil of the IHTU (e.g., being drawn therethrough by theplurality of fans 308 a-f communicating within the ducts 308 a-f) ismaintained within the set or acceptable range.

Thereafter, once the final flow adjustment values are obtained and sentto the fans as reference voltages, the process is repeated (see FIG. 9). Accordingly, for each repetition, the zone temperatures are typicallybrought closer to their target temperatures, and thus the ΔT for eachzone continues to be reduced until each zone is fully satisfied.

According to one example embodiment, the sequence of operations for theVAF system 300 includes steps 0-5 as shown in Operation Outline 1 below.As shown, the steps include: 0) set-up system, pre-program variables,schedules, operator interface 1) start system; 2) measure temperature a.compare to zone temperature set-point; b. calculate zone ΔT; c. generatePID scale factor; 3) increase zone fan speed to set point; a. initialSet point shall be zone design CFM; b. measure zone air flow; c. receivenew fan speed reference voltage based on CFM set point; d. call forheating or cooling; 4) run IHTU; a. for majority of zones calling forcooling, enable compressors for AC operation; b. for majority of zonescalling for heating, enable heating system; c. verify sufficient flowfor heating or cooling operation; d. send new fan speed referencevoltage based on CFM set point; 5) repeat process; a. re-evaluate callfor heating or cooling; and b. satisfy heating or cooling, disableheating/cooling. Optionally, the process/steps of the sequence ofoperations of the VAF system 300 can be chosen as desired.

0) Set-up system, Pre-program variables, schedules, Operator Interface

1) Start System

2) Measure temperature

-   -   a. Compare to Zone Temperature Set-point    -   b. Calculate zone ΔT    -   c. Generate PID scale factor

3) Increase zone fan speed to set point

-   -   a. Initial Set point shall be zone design CFM    -   b. Measure zone air flow    -   c. Receive new fan speed reference voltage based on CFM set        point    -   d. Call for heating or cooling

4) Run IHTU

-   -   a. For majority of zones calling for cooling, enable compressors        for AC operation    -   b. For majority of zones calling for heating, enable heating        system    -   c. Verify sufficient flow for heating or cooling operation    -   d. Send new fan speed reference voltage based on CFM set point

5) Repeat process

-   -   a. Re-evaluate call for heating or cooling    -   b. Satisfy heating or cooling, disable heating/cooling

Operation Outline 1

According to example embodiments, the central control 307 cancontinuously monitor and measure the air flows distributed to theindividual zones (and the temperatures of the individual zones), whichcan be quantified and manipulated by the central control on a continuousand dynamic basis. According to example embodiments, the individual zonetemperatures are compared to individual set-point temperatures of thesame respective zones such that scale factors can be created by usingclassical temperature control algorithms utilizing standardproportional, integral and derivative (PID) techniques. According toexample embodiments, the PID scale factors are applied to the zone'sindividual air flows so as to adjust the same, and for example, theindividual air flows are summed together to establish a new air flowsum. According to example embodiments, the individual air flow valuesare recalculated on a proportional basis such that the individual airflow values add to a sum equal to a predetermined net air flow value.According to some example embodiments, maximum and minimum air flowvalues are predetermined and fixed, and wherein individual flow valuesoutside of the range of values between the minimum and maximum air flowvalues are replaced with the closer of the maximum or minimum air flowvalue. According to example embodiments, the individual air flow valuesthat remain within the range of predetermined maximum and minimum airflow values are adjusted on a prorated basis so that the remaining totalsum of air flows equals the prescribed total air flow. According toexample embodiments, the final air flow values calculated by the controlsystem are converted to reference voltage signals and applied (e.g. sentor otherwise communicated therewith) to the individual fans 308 a-fdirecting air to the individual control zones in a continuously repeatedprocess to operate an air conditioner.

FIG. 11 shows two other working examples including an air conditioningexample with dehumidification (see chart 380) and a heating example (seechart 385). In example embodiments, the process identified in theflowchart of FIG. 9 is repeated for the examples of charts 380, 385. Asnoted in chart 380, since there is air conditioning withdehumidification, the total flow set-point is 1,050 CFM (for measuredhumidity above 50%). In example embodiments, working examples of charts380, 385 are processed similarly and go through a first flow adjustment,a second flow adjustment, an air flow substitution/pass-thru process,and a final flow adjustment.

FIGS. 12-13 show a VAF system 400 according to another exampleembodiment of the present invention. is intended to be used in ahouse-like structure 450 according to at least one example embodiment ofthe present invention. According to other example embodiments, the VAFsystem 400 can be provided for HVAC systems installed in residentialhomes, multi-family housing, hotels, commercial structures, motor homes,any domicile space, recreational vehicles, vessels, aircraft or otherstructures comprising multiple zones or spaces to be provided with airconditioning. According to example embodiments, the VAF system 400 issubstantially similar to the VAF system 300 as described above. Forexample, according to example embodiments, the VAF system 400 comprisesthe components of the VAF system 300 in addition to individual zonecontrollers that are connected between the central control 407 and therespective components of the individual zones (e.g., fan 408 a-f, zonesensor 432 a-f, and flow sensor (see FS)). Thus, the VAF system 400comprises a distributed control system compared to the central controlsystem of the above-described VAF system 300.

According to example embodiments, a zone controller 407′ is provided foreach zone and communicating with the central control 407 through a databus using standard communication protocol, for example, such as BACnet,LON or Modbus. As such, the individual zone controllers act as anintermediary between the zone it is intending to serve and the centralcontrol 407. According to example embodiments, the individual zonecontrollers can monitor, collect, send, process data and/or make anydesired calculations as needed, for example, in addition to the centralcontrol connected therewith. In example embodiments, with each zonecomprising its own controller 407′, the entirety of the system's 400control system is more practically implemented, and thus, conditionedair can be efficiently and effectively distributed to the appropriatezones to satisfy any loads while also ensuring that the net volumetricair flow over the coil of the IHTU 405 remains within a fixed volumetricrate predetermined by the system's thermal capacity and user performancegoals. Optionally, the central control can be configured so as tomaintain the net volumetric flow within a range of the fixed volumetricrate (e.g., between 1,050 and 1,350 according to the examples of FIG. 10). For example, according to one example embodiment, a performance goalto be set by the user could include an adjustable “power on” or “startsystem” trigger within the “user-adjustable settings” of the controlsystem such that the system would start according to the percentage ofzones requesting air conditioning. For example, an “energy efficient”system setting may be where the system would not start until there was ademand of about 75% of the zones. According to other exampleembodiments, the system can be configured such that the system wouldinitiate or start even if so little as one zone requested airconditioning. According to another example embodiment, the controlsystem could be configured such that 100% of the zones must request airconditioning before the system powers on and begins.

The controls for the VAF system and also the controls found in other‘smart’ thermostats (such as Nest®, Ecobee®, and others) can be providedand could be enabled to communicate load and location information to acentral processing system for purposes of aggregating the data andprocessing it for presentation in a novel manner. According to exampleembodiments, data which may be used for processing and presentingincludes the location of the structure comprising the VAF system (city,state, county, zip code, etc.), the cooling or heating load (in use perestablished time increment), which can be calculated from the product ofpercent run time and listed capacities, or for example, could factor inpercent load for variable capacity compressors. Other relevantinformation or data that could be provided includes the differentiationbetween commercial and residential occupancies.

According to example embodiments, the information can be stored andprocessed as meta-data. It can be used to create near-real-time mapsdisplaying constant load and also a neutral line indicating where theheating and cooling capacities are equal. It is envisioned that thiswould be similar to a weather map with the purpose of informingprofessional and academic interests as well as general curiosity foranyone wanting additional awareness of heating and cooling demands. Thepresentation of this data can be provided in multiple ways. According toone example, the presentation of data includes lines of constant percentusage for cooling, a neutral line and percent usage for heating.According to some example embodiments, the data can be presentedsimilarly to isotherm lines on a weather map. According to anotherexample embodiment, lines of total capacity for cooling and heating canbe provided, for example, similar to rain fall totals on a weather map.According to example embodiments, more dense areas would indicate highertotals similar to flood events on a weather map.

According to one example embodiment, the sequence of operations for theVAF system 400 includes steps 0-3 as shown in Operation Outline 2 below.As shown, the steps include: 0) set-up system; pre-program variables,schedules, operator interface; 1) start system; a. central control i.polls zone controllers; ii. evaluate call for cooling and heating; iii.for majority of zones calling for cooling, enable compressors for ACoperation; iv. for majority of zones calling for heating, enable heatingsystem; v. receive airflow CFM information from each zone; vi. sum (add)all zone airflows (CFM) together and verify required airflow for heatingor cooling; vii. calculate fan speed correction factor; viii. send fanspeed correction factor to zone controllers based on system CFM setpoint; ix. receive zone reference only signals from zone controller; x.send system control information to zone controllers; 1. occupied,standby, unoccupied; 2. system mode heating/cooling; 3. zone set pointfor standby, unoccupied modes and when zone local set-point is disabled;b. zone Control i. measure zone temperature 1. compare to zonetemperature set-point; 2. calculate zone ΔT; 3. generate PID scalefactor; 4. add+fan speed correction multiplier sent from centralcontroller to PID loop output; 5. send fan speed reference voltage tozone fan; 6. send demand signals to central control a. call for coolingor heating; b. zone airflow CFM; 7. send only reference signals tocentral controller; a. zone temp; b. zone set-point; ii. start fan(follow ramp-up preset rate at start-up) 1. initial set point shall bezone design CFM; 2. measure zone air flow; 3. receive new fan speedreference voltage based on CFM set point; 2) repeat process; a.re-evaluate call for heating or cooling; and b. satisfy heating orcooling, disable heating/cooling. Optionally, the process/steps of thesequence of operations of the VAF system 400 can be chosen as desired.

0) Set-up system, Pre-program variables, schedules, Operator Interface

1) Start System

-   -   a. Central Control        -   i. polls zone controllers        -   ii. Evaluate call for cooling and heating        -   iii. For majority of zones calling for cooling, enable            compressors for AC operation        -   iv. For majority of zones calling for heating, enable            heating system        -   v. Receive airflow CFM information from each zone        -   vi. Sum (add) all Zone airflows (CFM) together and verify            required airflow for heating or cooling        -   vii. Calculate fan speed correction factor        -   viii. Send fan speed correction factor to zone controllers            based on system CFM set point        -   ix. Receive zone reference only signals from zone controller        -   x. Send system control information to zone controllers            -   1. Occupied, standby, Unoccupied            -   2. System mode heating/cooling            -   3. Zone set point for standby, unoccupied modes and when                zone local setpoint is disabled    -   b. Zone Control        -   i. Measure zone temperature            -   1. Compare to Zone Temperature Set-point            -   2. Calculate zone ΔT            -   3. Generate PID scale factor            -   4. Add+fan speed correction multiplier sent from central                controller to PID loop output.            -   5. Send fan speed reference voltage to zone fan.            -   6. Send demand signals to Central Control                -   a. Call for cooling or heating                -   b. Zone airflow CFM            -   7. Send reference only signals to central controller                -   a. Zone Temp                -   b. Zone setpoint        -   ii. Start Fan (follow ramp-up preset rate at start-up)            -   1. Initial Set point shall be zone design CFM            -   2. Measure zone air flow            -   3. Receive new fan speed reference voltage based on CFM                setpoint

2) Repeat process

-   -   a. Re-evaluate call for heating or cooling    -   b. Satisfy heating or cooling, disable heating/cooling

Operation Outline 2

According to another example embodiment, the present invention relatesto a method of efficiently and effectively cooling or heating astructure having at least two zones. According to one exampleembodiment, the structure includes an outdoor compressor, an indoor heattransfer unit and heat pump. Ducts are connected between the indoor heattransfer unit and the zones. The indoor heat transfer unit lacks acentral fan and individual fans are placed within the ducts (orpositioned to be in communication with the ducts) to draw air from theindoor heat transfer unit (and across the coil) to the desired zone atthe desired rate, for example, so long as the sum of the net volumetricair flow remains within a net volumetric air flow range (or for example,remains at a preset volumetric air flow rate lying within the range).According to example embodiments, the method includes including drawingair across the heat transfer coil of the indoor heat transfer unitwithin the net volumetric air flow range (or preset volumetric air flowrate); measuring individual air flows of the at least two zones withinat least a portion of the ducts such that air flow signals generated bythe measuring thereof are sent to a control system for processing;summing the individual zone air flow signals in the control system togenerate an instantaneous net volumetric air flow rate for the entireair volume moving across the coil of the indoor heat transfer unit;comparing the measured net volumetric air flow rate to the presetvolumetric air flow rate to adjust it proportionally to maintain theinstantaneous net air flow at the preset volume as if there was a singlefan operating the system.

Optionally, according to other example embodiments, the method asdescribed herein, and the systems, components, etc. can be equallyapplied to packaged-type HVAC systems. Indeed, split systems such as theabove-described examples comprising an outdoor compressor and an indoorheat transfer unit and the heat transfer coils thereof are excellentcandidates for the systems 200-400 as described herein. However, otherHVAC systems such as packaged air conditioning units can similarly beconverted or newly built so as to provide seamless operability with thesystems as described herein. According to one example embodiment, in asimilar manner, the fan is removed from the packaged unit and a commonsupply plenum is connected to communicate within the indoor heattransfer unit and coils of the packaged unit. Ducts are provided forextending from the supply plenum to two or more zones. The speed orrotation of at least one fan positioned within each duct causesconditioned air to be drawn across the heat transfer coils, through thesupply plenum and further along the ducts until being output into therespective zone. In a similar manner, the packaged unit can comprise acentral control or can comprise a distributed control system, both ofwhich are described in greater detail above. According to yet otherexample embodiment, various other heating and cooling equipment can beconfigured to operate with the systems as described herein.

In other embodiments, dynamic setpoints may be used to continuously andautomatically update or change preprogrammed setpoints upon theoccurrence of a time and/or event. When a setpoint is updated, the VAFsystem may change, for example, the fan speed for one or more areasaccording to the control scheme previously described using the newsetpoints within the calculation.

The dynamic setpoints may be changed according to, for example, useroccupancy, user hierarchy, time of day, user location, user schedule,and combinations thereof. They may also be changed according to otherevents or times not listed here.

In example embodiments, the temperature setpoint for a given room may bedynamically updated based on the presence of a user within the room. Insome examples, a sensor determines that a user has entered a given room,such as dining room b, and sends a signal to the zone sensor 432 band/or the central control 207. The system may then update the currenttemperature setpoint to a different setpoint. For example, in a coolingmode, the temperature setpoint may be updated from a higher temperatureto a lower upon entry of a person into the zone. In some exampleembodiments, the system may increase or decrease the temperature setpoint for a zone based upon the exit of a person from a zone.

In particular embodiments, when a user enters a particular zone, the setpoints of other zones may be updated in response. For example, if theuser enters a zone corresponding to a home office (zone c), thesetpoints of other zones may be changed in anticipation of theirexpected vacancy while the user is within the zone corresponding to thehome office. Further, if the home office zone is located on the secondfloor, the setpoints of the zones on the first floor may be updated toreduce their expected demand, while the zones on the second floor may beupdated to provide quicker and/or more efficient heating or coolingaround the home office zone.

The VAF system may also dynamically switch between temperature setpointsbased on the users. In one example, the system may switch betweensetpoints based the preferences or programmed setpoints of a designateduser. For example, user Alpha may have a temperature setpoint X, whileuser Beta may have a temperature setpoint Y. When Alpha enters aparticular zone, the corresponding temperature setpoint may update totemperature X. When Beta enters a particular zone, the temperaturesetpoint may update to temperature Y. The system may also employ a listsuch that setpoint determinations are based on the preferences orsetpoints of the highest ranking user on said list currently presentwithin the VAF system. In particular embodiments, if user Alpha and Betaenter the same room, and user Alpha ranks higher on the list than userBeta, the system may update its setpoint to user Alpha's preferredsetpoint. The system may also make set point determinations based onwhen a user enters a room. For example, if user Alpha enters dining room(zone d) before user Beta, the system may update its setpoint to userAlpha's preferred setpoint.

In other embodiments, the temperature setpoint may be adjusted based onthe amount of time a user is present within and/or absent from a room.In example embodiments, the temperature setpoint may update upon aperson's continuous presence within a room for at least five minutes. Insome embodiments, the temperature setpoint may change when a person hasbeen absent from a room for at least five minutes. In such embodiments,the system may prevent unnecessary changes in setpoints due to briefexcursions into other zones, saving energy by avoiding unnecessarilychanging the speed of the corresponding fans.

According to other examples, the setpoints may dynamically update basedon a schedule. For example, when the system is in cooling mode, thetemperature setpoint for a zone corresponding to a bedroom (zone d) mayswitch from a higher setpoint to a lower setpoint around a user'sbedtime in order to condition the room for comfortable sleeping, whilenot placing an unnecessary demand on the system beforehand.

A variety of different sensors, systems, devices, and/or electronics maybe used to dynamically update the setpoints. Some example occupancysensors include motion detectors, wearable devices such as smartwatches, portable devices such as smartphones, smart home devices suchas thermostats, and other smart appliances such as smart TVs. Thesensors used to dynamically update the setpoints may be the same as thezone sensors or separate sensors. More than one sensor may be used toupdate the setpoint. The sensor may also communicate with the zonesensors, the central control, or both to update the setpoints through awired or wireless connection. For occupancy sensors that are notstationary, occupancy may be determined by geofences, proximity of thesensor to the zone sensors, or any other suitable means.

The VAF system may also dynamically switch between heating and coolingbased on the users. In one example, the system may switch betweenheating and cooling given the preferences or programmed setpoints of adesignated user. The system may also employ a list such that heating andcooling determinations are based on the preferences or setpoints of thehighest ranking user on said list that is currently present within theVAF system. In other examples, the VAF system switches between heatingand cooling based on the preferences of a majority of users or amajority of user setpoints. For example, if a majority of users havesetpoints below the current setpoint of a zone or zones, and only aminority of users have a setpoint above the current setpoints, thesystem may choose cooling mode in order to accommodate the majority.Heating and cooling determinations may also be made based on a schedule.

In addition to dynamically updating the temperature setpoints, the VAFsystem may also dynamically update other parameters, such as those seenin FIG. 10 . For example, the design CFM may be dynamically updated inresponse to an increase or decrease to a number of users within thezones covered by the VAF system. In this example, if the number of userswithin a home using the VAF system is four, and one or more sensorsdetect one or more additional users entering the home, the system mayupdate the design CFM so that the system can more easily compensate forthe additional heat from the additional users.

In some embodiments, the VAF system may also prioritize resources to aparticular user. For example, given a system in cooling mode and alreadyat its maximum CFM, the system may choose to divert a larger portion ofthe conditioned air to a particular user in order to better accommodatethat user's preferences.

In some embodiments, the VAF system may have multiple vents and fanswithin a single room. In particular environments, such as a gym,multiple users may be present within a room with multiple zones, eachcomprising one or more fans. The system may update the temperaturesetpoint for one or more particular fans based on the preference of auser nearest the one or more particular fans, as determined by thepreviously mentioned sensors. In this manner, desired heating andcooling may be accomplished for multiple users within a room. Ifmultiple people are near a fan, a setpoint may be determined based on,for example, a hierarchy of users, the order in which the users enteredthe one or more zones comprising one or more fans per zone, or a votingsystem based on the preferences of all of the users within the fanszone. Additionally, when a first user's setpoint is being used for afirst fan, and a second users setpoint is being used for a second fanthat is near and/or adjacent to the first fan, the control system maydynamically update the speed of each fan such that the total effect ofthe fans is to deliver the desired heating or cooling to each zone,while accounting for any spillover that may occur between the two zones.

For example, in addition to the traditional register(s) provided to meetthe aggregate thermal load due to usage and envelope needs of aparticular zone (typically a single room as described above), one ormore systems of the present invention can be configured forsubstantially increased VAF outlets within a typical zone to moreprecisely subdivide that area to meet the unique needs of a particularuser's (or set of user's) in a configuration tailored to anticipate thespecific occupancy of that user as they inhabit a specific space on adynamic basis. To increase the effectiveness of this approach, moredirectionally adjustable registers such as dual deflection or eye-ballsupply grilles may be used to direct air flow towards an individualuser.

According to additional example embodiments, the present inventioncomprises an enhanced VAF system 500. For example, as depicted in FIG.14 , the room is a living room in a house 535 and comprises the enhancedVAF system 500, only a portion of which is shown concerning the livingroom. For example, expanding on the previously described Room ‘f’ ofFIG. 5 , the room in this example would be much larger with two exteriorwalls with windows and would have: a heat producing video device, afireplace, a long sofa, a love seat and two reclining chairs. Indeed,while only the living room is shown, it is appreciated that the enhancedVAF system 500 would be interconnected throughout the house in thepresent example. According to a plurality of other example embodiments,the enhanced VAF system 500 can be provided for HVAC systems installedin residential homes, multi-family housing, hotels, commercialstructures, motor homes, any domicile space, recreational vehicles,vessels, aircraft or other structures comprising multiple zones orspaces to be provided with air conditioning.

Traditionally, this space of the living room would be served withregister placement directing conditioned air at the two windows. Thecontrol for this space would be by a thermostat located in doseproximity to the central return intake presumably in another room.Further the traditional constant volume allocation of air wouldaccommodate the maximum occupancy, envelope, and internal loadsanticipated for the space.

However, according to an example embodiment of the present invention, aportion of enhanced VAF system 500 is depicted and includes multipleregisters with individual controls directed at possible loads as may berequired to satisfy their unique demands. In this arrangement a commontemperature sensor is placed in the room in the path of the return airflow, but this enhanced embodiment would allow for not yet envisionedmeans of detecting actual temperature that correspond to the multipleindividual zones set points.

For example, as will be described below, FIGS. 15-18 depict multipleexamples and scenarios in which the living room portion of the enhancedVAF system 500 undergoes change based upon particular inputs (thenumerical zone number corresponding to the same numerical f value—seeFIGS. 15-18 ). For example, as depicted in FIG. 15 , zone fan 1 isconfigured to serve the load for the sunlight on the window and would beactivated by following a pre-programmed schedule: all the other zoneswould be idle except for zone fan 10 which is active in response to thedetection of an occupant via a wearable device sitting in a locationthat capable of being conditioned by zone fan 10.

As depicted in FIG. 16 , in a similar manner as FIG. 15 , an occupant isnow located where they can be served by zone 4 and now sunlight has nowmoved to where zone fan 8 would become active. As depicted in FIG. 17 ,none of the zones are active for a presumably temperate evening (Note:outdoor conditions could be accounted for by additional sensing andprogramming provisions), Zone fan 5, 7 and 8 are active through thedetection of wearable devices and corresponding set-points, zone fan 9would be active through interlocks and programming to mitigate heat gainfrom the internal load of the video device. As depicted in FIG. 18 , ina similar manner as FIG. 17 , occupants are now enjoying a fire and butonly one has a wearable device. In this scenario it is presumed theinternal load of the fire is intentional and would be factoredintegrated into the temperature reading at the room sensor, Tf althoughit is possible to dedicate a zone to counter the effects of the internalload of the fire if only the ‘ambiance’ was desired. Also in thisscenario, zone fan 2 would be active by tracking the occupant's wearabledevice, but the activation of zone fan 3 would require a manuallyprogrammed over-ride through software accessed via an app or otherprogramming device. The advantage of the enhanced embodiment would be toprovide a greater precision for directing the minimum conditioned airresources to the actual loads required. For the example above, amultitude of scenarios exist and not every provision could be addressedwithin the constraints of current technology and the possibilities offuture technology.

According to some example embodiments, artificial intelligence and/oralgorigmithic sequences can be incorporated with the systems of thepresent invention so as to promote the development and attainability ofa unique sensing algorithm for each user or occupant, for example, thatwould be unique to each of the particular users. In example embodiments,one or more particular occupants may inherit a sensing algorithm forexample, such that systems of the present invention can accuratelypredict and anticipate the location where the particular occupant'sneeds may need to be met in a particular room and/or zone or a locationwithin the room on a particular time and day, and deliver the desiredunique air conditioning needs.

Although specific embodiments of the disclosure have been described,numerous other modifications and alternative embodiments are within thescope of the disclosure. For example, any of the functionality describedwith respect to a particular device or component may be performed byanother device or component. Further, while specific devicecharacteristics have been described, embodiments of the disclosure mayrelate to numerous other device characteristics. Further, althoughembodiments have been described in language specific to structuralfeatures and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that thedisclosure is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actsdescribed. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed asillustrative forms of implementing the embodiments. Conditionallanguage, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,”unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within thecontext as used, is generally intended to convey that certainembodiments could include, while other embodiments may not include,certain features, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditionallanguage is not generally intended to imply that features, elements,and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments.

While the invention has been described with reference to exampleembodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that avariety of modifications, additions and deletions are within the scopeof the invention, as defined by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A variable air flow air conditioning system forconditioning the air of multiple zones of a structure comprising: aplurality of ducts extending from the air conditioning unit to each ofthe multiple zones; a plurality of variable speed fans, wherein at leastone fan is positioned to communicate within its respective duct betweenthe air conditioning unit and the multiple zones; a plurality of zonesensors, wherein at least one zone sensor is positioned within eachrespective zone of the multiple zones thereof; a plurality of occupancysensors; a plurality of air flow sensors wherein at least one air flowsensor is positioned within each respective duct so as to obtain thevolumetric flow rate of conditioned air flowing from the airconditioning unit; and a controller configured to communicate with theair conditioning unit, the variable speed fans and the air flow sensors,wherein the central controller activates or deactivates so as todynamically increase or decrease the volumetric flow rate of theplurality of fans so as to optimize the degree of control to each of themultiple zones as demanded by thermal loads of the plurality of zones,the thermal loads being determined by reference to setpoints that mayupdate based on the time, date, and/or the presence or absence of one ormore people within one or more zones as determined by the occupancysensors, and wherein the central controller adjusts the speed of eachindividual fan of the plurality of fans to provide a volume of air flowto match the thermal load of the zone it serves while maintaining a netvolumetric flow rate through the heat transfer element of the airconditioning unit at a preset volumetric air flow rate dynamicallydetermined by the system's thermal capacity and the user performancegoals
 2. The variable air flow air conditioning system of claim 1,wherein the occupancy sensor comprise motion detectors.
 3. The variableair flow air conditioning system of claim 1, wherein the occupancysensors comprise the zone controllers.
 4. The variable air flow airconditioning system of claim 1, wherein in the occupancy sensorscomprise wearable devices.
 5. The variable air flow air conditioningsystem of claim 1, wherein the occupancy sensors comprise smartappliances.
 6. The variable air flow air conditioning system of claim 1,wherein the occupancy sensors comprise smart phones.
 7. The variable airflow air conditioning system of claim 1, wherein the system makessetpoint determinations based on the presence or absence of a particularuser.
 8. The variable air flow air conditioning system of claim 7,wherein the system makes further setpoint determinations based on ahierarchy of users within a zone.
 9. The variable air flow airconditioning system of claim 1, wherein the occupancy sensorscommunicate directly with the zone sensors.
 10. The variable air flowair conditioning system of claim 1, wherein the occupancy sensorscommunicate directly with the controller.
 11. A variable air flow airconditioning system for conditioning multiple zones of a structurecomprising: an air conditioning unit comprising a heat transfer element;a plurality of ducts extending from the air conditioning unit to each ofthe multiple zones; a plurality of variable speed fans, wherein at leastone fan is positioned to communicate within its respective duct betweenthe air conditioning unit and the multiple zones; a plurality of zonesensors, wherein at least one zone sensor is positioned within eachrespective zone of the multiple zones thereof; a plurality of occupancysensors; a plurality of air flow sensors wherein at least one air flowsensor is positioned within each respective duct so as to obtain thevolumetric flow rate of conditioned air flowing from the airconditioning unit; and a controller configured to adjust the speed ofthe variable speed fans so as to maintain a set volumetric airflowthrough the air conditioning unit while delivering a portion of thevolumetric airflow to each zone according to the thermal demand of thepreset parameters and the thermal demand of each zone, wherein thethermal demand is determined in part by the difference between a currentstate of one or more zones and one or more setpoints, wherein thesetpoints may be dynamically determined.
 12. The variable air flow airconditioning system of claim 11, wherein the setpoints for each zone aredetermined based on the presence or absence of one or more people withinone or more zones.
 13. The variable air flow air conditioning system ofclaim 12, wherein the setpoints for each zone are determined based onthe presence or absence of a particular user within a zone.
 14. Thevariable air flow air conditioning system of claim 13, wherein thesystem further determines setpoints based on a hierarchy of users withinthe zone.
 15. The variable air flow conditioning system of claim 11,wherein the system chooses heating or cooling mode based on thepreferences of a majority of users currently within the zones.
 16. Thevariable air flow conditioning system of claim 11, wherein the systemmay delay updating setpoints until after a person has entered a zone andremained there for a period of time, or left a zone without reenteringfor a period of time.
 17. The variable air flow conditioning system ofclaim 11, wherein multiple zones are within the same room, and thesystem chooses setpoints based on the proximity of one or more people tothat zone.
 18. A method for determining the amount of air received byeach zone in a variable air flow air conditioning system, the variableair flow system including an outdoor compressor, an indoor heat transferunit and heat pump, the structure having ducts connected between theindoor heat transfer unit and the zones, each of the ducts having anindividual fan in communication therewith to draw air from the indoorheat transfer unit and across a coil to the desired zone at a thedesired rate, so long as the sum of the volumetric air flows through theducts remains at a preset volumetric air flow rate, the methodcomprising: determining the presence or absence of one or more people inone or more zones; determining set points for each zone based on thepresence or absence of one or more people in one or more zones;calculating a desired thermal load for each zone by comparing the stateof each zone to a corresponding state determined by the set points;calculating a desired air flow rate for each zone according to thedesired thermal load for each zone; summing the individual zone desiredair flow rates to generate an instantaneous net volumetric air flow ratefor the entire air volume moving across the heat transfer unit;comparing the measured net volumetric air flow rate to a presetvolumetric air flow rate; proportionally adjusting the individual airflow rates to maintain the instantaneous measured net volumetric airflow rate at the preset volumetric air flow rate as if there was asingle fan operating the system;
 19. The method of claim 18, furthercomprising selecting setpoints based on a particular person's presencewithin a zone.
 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising selectingthe setpoints based on a hierarchy when multiple people are within thesame zone.